A Taste of History: Why We're Serving Bacalhau de Cebolada at Tasca do Ricky
If you have ever visited Portugal or browsed a traditional menu, you already know about our national obsession: bacalhau (salted cod). It is said there are over 365 ways to prepare it—one for every day of the year!
At Tasca Do Ricky, we are constantly refining our menu to share the purest flavors of Algarvian hospitality with our guests. While our grilled cod had its fans, we felt it was time for a delicious upgrade that captures the comforting essence of a true Portuguese home.
We are excited to introduce Bacalhau de Cebolada to our menu!
The Story Behind Portugal's "Faithful Friend"
Why does a nation with a coastline bursting with fresh Atlantic fish fall so deeply in love with dried, salted cod from freezing northern waters?
To answer that, you have to look back to the 15th century during Portugal's Age of Discovery. Portuguese sailors set out on months-long voyages across open oceans. Without modern refrigeration, they needed a nutritious protein source that wouldn't spoil at sea. Enter cod fished from the cold waters of Newfoundland and Norway, cured in salt, and dried.
Affectionately nicknamed O Fiel Amigo (The Faithful Friend), salted cod became an integral pillar of the Portuguese diet—especially during Lent, when Catholic traditions strictly prohibited meat. To read more about the incredible history of salt cod around the globe, check out Mark Kurlansky's classic history on the subject or explore the interactive exhibits at Lisbon's Interpretive Center of the History of Codfish.
What Makes Bacalhau de Cebolada Special?
While grilled cod relies on dry heat, Bacalhau de Cebolada is all about rich, slow-cooked harmony.
We start with a prime, desalted loin of cod, gently pan-seared in rich Algarvian extra virgin olive oil. Then, we smother the fish in a golden onion —a velvety, sweet bed of slowly caramelized onions, sweet garlic, bay leaves, bell peppers, black olives, and a splash of white wine. Served alongside sliced potatoes that soak up every bit of the savory sauce, it's a dish rooted in rustic comfort.
Where grilled cod can occasionally dry out, Bacalhau de Cebolada remains tender, flaky, and bursting with Mediterranean aromatics. It's rich without being heavy—the ultimate comfort dish for a relaxed evening in Faro.
Join us for dinner in Faro.
Whether you're visiting the Algarve for the first time or returning to explore Faro's historic Old Town, tasting authentic bacalhau is an absolute rite of passage.
Pair your Bacalhau de Cebolada with a crisp glass of regional white wine, follow it up with a slice of traditional Pudim de Laranja, and let us host you for an unforgettable dinner. Space in our dining room is cozy and limited, so make sure to reserve your table ahead of time!
